These last few days of blog silence, I have been smiling while reflecting.

From the beginning of my blog (way back in 2008), blogging was a way to journal my thoughts, findings and changes. A way to remember what, when, who and why for my future reference but in a public medium, so I remain accountable and open.

Earlier this year, I was seriously considering changing the purpose of my blog writing. From writing for myself to monetising my efforts.

However after much investigation, consideration and inner reflection, I decided this was not the direction that would be most beneficial for my family’s goals (at this time).

There is never enough time to do everything but always enough time to do what is most important.

These past few days of my blog silence, confirms I have made the correct decision.

All this being said, I can assure you that I will continue posting GreenerMe posts – just for the pleasure and enjoyment of it. ‘Business as usual’ as nothing changes.

I’d like to take this time to say “thankyou” to you! To you the reader (the quiet lurkers and the many who have reached out over the years, to share with me – I appreciate you all).

Going forward there will again be times of frequent post updates and yes sometimes infrequent updates too (life sometimes gets in the way of what we want to do).

Until tomorrow….

Tomorrow I will share my gluten free playdoh recipe - for some sustainable children play fun.

While the temperature drops outside, my family remains inside – we are all still recovering from winter illnesses (but who isn’t).

With this cold weather, I deemed yesterday to be a ‘mental health day’. A day when I allow myself to remain in PJ’s all day. A day when playing, drawing and having fun with our Little One, is the only item on my to do list.

A large saved cardboard box was brought inside, to be made into a kid’s cubby. Our Little One played inside while the white fluffy ‘crocodiles’ kept guard outside.

The waitress watched in disbelief “she is eating broccoli?” Our two year old was quick to correct her observation by responding “small trees yummy”.

There is no doubt that at times our Little One is fussy and picky. However generally I would conclude that she is a good eater. Generally it isn’t a challenge ensuring she is getting 7 to 10 proportions of varied fruit and vegetables daily.

Short answer is I don’t know. I say it is because of some luck and some good genes (I was a toddler garbage disposal – eating any veggies my older brother would not). However I feel instinctively that there are two activities that have fueled our toddler’s love of eating a wide variety of nutritious food.

Firstly the simple activity of growing your own veggies. From six months of age I have been gardening with her. Now she will venture into the garden to eat sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, chick peas, snow peas or whatever is in season (without my prompting or help).

Secondly the equally simple activity of cooking. As our Little One showed interest in our cooking pursuits, we have encouraged her involvement with age appropriate tasks. Always keeping in mind the bigger picture when she makes a mess, refuses to give back the pepper shaker or fights us for the spoon – short term annoyances allows for long term, life skills learnt.

Our Little One is planting seeds, watching them grow, harvesting food from the garden then cooking the produce. This has to be contributing to her willingness to then eat the food, she has had envolvement in producing and preparing.

Without tears or hesitation our Little One took her first swimming class without me in the water too – just her and the teacher. To say the transition went swimmingly is not only a pun but an understatement.

Then two nights ago, our Little One announced loudy “potty” while tugging at her nappy. Once I helped her remove her nappy, she then proceeded to do a number 1 and 2 in the potty. My husband and I danced, clapped and cheered for the rest of the night.

To my surprise, she has continued to successfully use the potty every time without my prompting – I had no idea how often a child does number 1’s.

I sense this developmental mile stone, signals things will change very quickly on our home front.

The only constant in life, is change. The happiest people I know, understand this and embrace it (not fight or attempt to control it).

In regards to environmental matters, the negative “sky is falling” strategy, often achieves the exact opposite to what is wanted. Instead of motivating people to change, people’s ears become closed and eyes shut.

In comparison; inspire people, make them ‘feel good’, make them laugh and give them believable and achievable hope – then people will listen, learn and more likely change.

Last night I was reading our Little One a bed time story, that was borrowed from the Library.

It depicts a young boy’s love of the only tree left in his city. One day the tree was removed. The boy’s pain and loss turned into hope, when he found a clipping of the tree. He planted the clipping in the basket of his tricycle – so it could be close to him wherever he rode in the city.

On the last page of the book is a beautiful illustration – showing people being inspired by not negativity but by the boy’s hope and joy.

Look closely and ‘feel’…

'Last Tree in the City' book by Peter Carnavas. Thankyou Peter for such a wonderful children's story - a story and message for all of us!

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About Sarhn

Professional photographer and entrepreneur now living in a semi rural town South of Sydney, Australia. Wife. Mother. Since 2006 I have decided that I no longer want to use the excuse of 'being too busy' to care for the environment, animal welfare and my community.

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